Our Lady is a Synodalist according to German Catholic youth leader

BDKJ Federal President considers World Youth Days to be important sign of international understanding

What makes a major Catholic event like World Youth Day attractive for young Germans in times of increasing secularization? Stefan Ottersbach, Federal President of the Association of German Catholic Youth, knows the answer.

KNA: What does an event like World Youth Day mean to Catholic youth in these times? In times marked by the climate crisis and war and, within the Church, by the abuse scandal and stirring reform processes?

Stefan Ottersbach (Federal President of the Association of German Catholic Youth): Many see it as a great opportunity to take part in a festival where they can communicate with other young people and make friends. Especially in times of war, one should not underestimate what international understanding takes place during such an event. In addition, young people can experience: I am part of a faith community that spans the world and to which many more people belong than I often experience at home.

KNA: What does the BDKJ have planned for the program in Lisbon?

The Federation of German Catholic Youth (BDKJ) is the umbrella organization of 17 Catholic children's and youth organizations with around 660,000 members. It sees itself primarily as representing the interests of these associations in church, state and society and also takes care of securing financial support.

Ottersbach: At the so-called International Youth Hearing, a panel, we want to talk to young people about the connection between climate justice and colonial history. Many countries have been colonized from Portugal since the 15th century - especially in Africa, but also in Asia and Latin America. At the Youth Hearing, we are particularly concerned with the perspectives of people from the Global South.

KNA: Only recently there was a fuss about a "politically incorrect" Vatican postage stamp for WYD. You could see Pope Francis on the Monument to the Discoveries in Lisbon - in place of the Portuguese conqueror and seafarer Heinrich, who is considered the founder of the Portuguese colonial empire. Is WYD also an opportunity to review the role of the Catholic Church in colonialism?

Ottersbach: From my point of view it definitely has to be. We as the Catholic Church and also the Pope must position ourselves on this. In March there was a statement by the Vatican on the so-called discovery doctrine [the supposed "discovery of America" by the Europeans, editor's note. Red.] - but it was only signed by two Vatican authorities. What is still pending is that Pope Francis will also personally comment on this. For us as the Catholic Church, WYD is a great opportunity to speak openly and fearlessly about colonialism.

KNA: Significantly fewer young people registered this year than for the last WYDs. What do you attribute that to?

Ottersbach: After the pandemic, I think many are still cautious about such major events. Many also say: We first want to go on a journey with our own group, make our own group experiences strong again. Last but not least, I also suspect that quite a few young people are strangers to such a large church event.

KNA: Because of the abuse scandal?

Ottersbach: Exactly. With the young people I meet in my everyday work, I notice that the feeling of alienation towards church power structures has grown significantly. Towards the faith, not necessarily, but towards the institution.

KNA: How is the issue of abuse being addressed at WYD?

Ottersbach: I very much hope that Pope Francis will make a strong statement on this. That he gives young people his word to do everything possible to tackle the structures that have encouraged abuse in the future. The processing and prevention of sexualised violence in the church are not yet being promoted to the same extent all over the world. I also hope that the bishops will not sweep the issue under the rug but use WYD as an opportunity to address it.

KNA: How do you want to prevent abuse from happening in the context of WYD?

Ottersbach: We train leaders and have designed protection concepts so that young people know where they can find support.

KNA: The motto of this year's WYD is "Mary arose and set out in haste" from the Gospel of Luke. Maria is not particularly popular with many young people in this country - at least not in the classic interpretation of the self-sacrificing woman who puts her whole life in the service of others. How does that relate to modern young people today?

Ottersbach: Thank God there are very diverse images of Mary, including that of a young woman with whom many can identify: "She set out," an incredible number of young people know that. Setting off without knowing exactly where you are going. Maria as a solidary figure who knows about worries and insecurities, but faces them with trust in God.

KNA: Can you hear the idea of reform in this interpretation?

Ottersbach: Maria is a woman of reform, of new beginnings, absolutely! She sings of God in the Magnificat: "He dethrones the mighty and exalts the humble." How many children and young people who are deprived of their rights in this world would not like to join in this song? For example, those who are already suffering from the dramatic consequences of climate change.

KNA: As far as reforms are concerned, the Germans are viewed somewhat obliquely by some in the universal church and are insulted as dividers. The accusation: you would jeopardize the unity of the universal church by demanding far-reaching reforms. Do you think that German young people can also expect such perspectives from other young people at WYD?

Ottersbach: We often perceive other local churches from a distance from the perspective of bishops or priests - always from men. Very seldom do we hear the voices of women or unconsecrated people. In my estimation, however, the difference between local churches is not as great as some sometimes make it out to be. Against this background, I am convinced that there will not be any major differences between the young people in Lisbon. It is important for all young people to be able to live in a church that is credibly on the trail of the gospel and does not define itself primarily by cementing clerical power structures.

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